INTRO-TO-PHILO (1).pdf

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY ★ “No man ever steps in the same river twice’’ WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Democritus...

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY ★ “No man ever steps in the same river twice’’ WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Democritus ★ devoted himself to the study of the causes of natural phenomena ★ proposed that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms Diogenes of Sinope The ancient Greek used this term to refer ★ an advocate of living a simple to LOVE FOR WISDOM, and soon applied and virtuous life it to the study or discipline that uses ★ one should not only talk of virtue human reasons to investigate the but should show it in words & ultimate causes, reasons, and principles actions which govern all things. ★ was said to have lived like a beggar (emphasized austerity and lovers of wisdom: philosophers simplicity) ★ vocal critic of Plato and Aristotle NOTABLE ANCIENT GREEK ★ his teachings influenced PHILOSOPHERS Cynicism and Stoicism Pythagoras Epicurus ★ mathematician & scientist ★ believed that philosophy can ★ formulated the Pythagorean enable a man to live a life of theorem HAPPINESS ★ established a community of ★ EPICUREANISM - a school of learners who were devoted to the philosophy which believes that study of religion and philosophy wisdom and simple living will result in a life free of fear and Heraclitus pain ★ proposed that everything is based on a higher order/plan Socrates (logos) ★ made great contributions in the ★ CHANGE IS PERMANENT field of ethics ★ considered himself a midwife  INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY ★ philosphy can enable a man to WHY IS THERE A NEED TO live a life of VIRTUE PHILOSOPHIZE ★ Socratic Method - a means of We all have the potential to philosophize examining a topic by devising a since we have the tendency to wonder and doubt.We possess the capacity to series of questions that let the reflect on our experiences, and have a learner analyze his knowledge need to learn and discover. and views regarding the topic Plato sense of wonder Plato man’s overbounding ★ a student of Socrates curiosity drives him to ask questions, ★ his writings were considered the some of which have foundation of Western no definite answers Philosophy Rene doubt ★ Theory of Forms: everything that Descartes critical questioning is necessary to exists is based on an idea or determine if template that can only be presented ideas are correct or true perceived in the mind ★ Dialectic: a method of inquiry Karl experience Jaspers experiences are where two opposing ideas are limit situations discussed to arrive at new philosophy provides a means to knowledge understand ★ founded the Academy adverse, and to rise above them, and to gain new Aristotle perspective ★ attended the Academy, and a Socrates love for wisdom student of Plato a philosopher is not satisfied with ★ disagreed with Plato’s theory, for figuring out him, all ideas and views are answers to questions based on perception, and “I know that I do REALITY is based on what we not know…” learning is can sense and perceive unceasing ★ proposed a system for the “The unexamined life is not worth classification of plants and animals living” ★ deductive reasoning: from specific statements to generalization  INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY ★ Metaphysics HOW DO WE CHARACTERIZE THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY ○ deals with questions regarding reality and One way of looking at philosophy is to existence consider it as a way of analyzing ★ Philosophy of the Human frameworks Person ○ understands the human framework: a way of thinking about the person from a world, and is composed of the views and philosophical perspective beliefs of a person HOLISTIC THINKING VS. PARTIAL Internal External THINKING Questions Questions questions dealing question the very Holistic Thinking with our own frameworks upon perspective that considers correctness and which people large-scale patterns in systems values base their own ‘’looking at the big picture’’ beliefs and views can be addressed requires an individual to have an using our own open mindset and an ability to personal get the general sense or frameworks impression regarding a situation Philosophy can also be thought as an Partial Thinking examination of a particular area of focuses on specific aspects of a knowledge situation an important component of It is a distinct area of knowledge with analytical thinking its goals, concerns, and ways of doing things BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY ★ Aesthetics ○ deals with beauty and what makes things beautiful ★ Logic ○ deals with correct reasoning ★ Epistemology ○ discusses the nature of knowledge ★ Ethics ○ deals with moral questions and dilemmas ★ Political Philosophy ○ studies governments and deals with questions of justice